Simeon Eli was born on January 7, 1912. He was one of the senior students of Thomas S. H. Young (1915-1995).

Young was one of the first students of Professor James Mitose (1916-1981) and became his first black belt and senior assistant. The other assistant was William K. S. Chow (1914-1987). Other students under Mitose included Jiro Nakamura, Paul Yamaguchi (1925), Bobby Lowe (1929), and Arthur Keawe. Mitose initially called his art "Kempo Jiu-Jitsu". He later used the term "Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu".

Mitose left Honolulu around 1949. Young continued to teach at the Kaheka Lane dojo. He promoted Eli to the rank of black belt. He also promoted Steven Baldomero, who taught on Johnson Atoll. When Young retired, Eli became the head of the school.

We are seeking additional information about Eli. Please contact us if you have any information or photographs of this Kenpo pioner.